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Inspired by the works of Arthur C. Clarke, J.G. Ballard and Philip K. Dick, Infinite Summer sees Michael Lovett’s NZCA Lines “marry sci-fi futurism to personal intimacies” to produce what must surely be one of the funkiest apocalyptic concept albums of all time. Indeed, also featuring former Ash guitarist Charlotte Hatherley and drummer Sarah Jones (Hot Chip, New Young Pony Club), the follow-up to 2012’s self-titled debut may center on […]

Named after a term used for trained assassins he heard in a documentary on espionage, Skilled Mechanics sees trip-hop trailblazer Tricky assemble his own killer team for the most collaborative studio effort of his lengthy career. Some of those on board are no stranger to the world of Adrian Thaws, including regular vocalist Francesca Belmonte who lends her sultry tones to the eerie synth-balladry of “We Begin,” drummer Luke Harris […]

As you’d expect from a founding member of studious classical-electro outfit Clean Bandit, British-Ugandan vocalist/rapper Love Ssega certainly isn’t short on brainpower. Born and raised in South London, the 24-year-old graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, then made the brave decision to quit the aforementioned Grammy winners to finish his Ph.D. in laser sensing. Love Ssega (real name Ssegawa-Ssekintu Kiwanuka) is just as cultured as he […]

Judging by all the pre-release talk of shunning EDM, steering dance music back into a proper direction and making a piece of art, you’d expect Steve Angello’s second solo LP, Wild Youth, to be something of a game-changer. So it’s slightly baffling to hear that the Stockholm DJ has delivered the kind of unadventurous, generic and largely forgettable record he appears to be rallying against. Indeed, featuring guest appearances from […]

David Bowie, arguably one of the most influential figures in modern music for the past 40-plus years, died on Sunday, Jan. 10 after a battle with cancer. He was 69. While previous rumors of his death in years past were greatly exaggerated, the news has been confirmed by Bowie’s representatives and his son Duncan Jones (via Twitter). The following statement appears on Bowie’s official Facebook page: “David Bowie died peacefully […]

So after crowning Jamie xx’s “Loud Places” and Bob Moses’ Days Gone By as the greatest single and album of 2015 respectively, we now switch our attention to what we can expect to hear over the next twelve months in the world of dance/electronica. The first big album out of the blocks this year is Moth (Jan 22), the third album from alt-pop duo Chairlift, which judging by its first […]

Nine Upcoming Rap/Hip-Hop Albums That Should Be On Your Radar (Part 1)

While 2013 has just begun, so many quality rap/hip-hop albums have dropped in the span of only two months that it seems like an entire year has passed me by. Off the top of my head, I can already call out a couple top notch releases that will probably end up on my best of year end list:

– LongLiveA$AP by A$AP Rocky

– Life Changes by Casey Veggies

– Ivy League: The Kickback by CyHi The Prince

– Dirty Slums 2 by Slum Village

– Folarin by Wale

Those fine pieces of audio listed above have done great for the year and the genre I write about so much. Now I’m ready for the next batch of dope albums heading our way for the remainder of the year (that I know of).

Join me as I count down nine upcoming 2013 rap/hip-hop albums you should be checking for soon:

9. Hall of Fame by Big Sean – Big Sean has risen from the doldrums of G.O.O.D. Music’s “Cave of Unreleased Rappers with No Album.” He’s Finally Famous, his features are standout verses on a ton of people’s songs and he’s putting on for Detroit like a trooper. I can’t stop bumping last year’s Detroit mixtape, so I already figure I’m gonna have a hard time putting down Sean’s next album. “Guap” is a feel good single with a catchy hook and a joyous message that the radio loves to present ever hour. I know Big Sean is getting with the best producers and his fellow label mates to put together another classic. Boy…

8. Hotel California by Tyga –YMCMB has way too many artists in its stable, if ya ask me. It’s hard for all those rappers and singers to shine when all of them aren’t getting equal attention from the Birdman himself. I was scared that Tyga would never reach the plateau he’s at now while under Wayne and Baby. But I’m happy to see Mr. “Coconut Juice” rise above mediocrity and craft hit singles that are hard to ignore. I’m anticipating Tyga’s next album based on the heat he recently dropped with these two singles:

The clubs (and I) are ready.

7. Flockaveli 2 by Waka Flocka Flame –WAKA! Yeah, call me crazy for enjoying this dude’s music. SO WHAT? Waka’s albums and mixtapes are rowdy, rugged and violent (just how I like it). And if this sequel is anything like Waka’s debut album, I’m sure I’m gonna be acting as ignorantly as ever. I’ve kept tabs on Waka through interviews and he says he’s looking to spread himself out to different sounds. This excites me because I know he’s capable of surprising some folks with new types of music. This album is set to drop (supposedly) on October 2, 2013. I can’t wait! *Sleepy Brown voice*

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About the Author

Elton Jones (no relation to the guy who sings "Bennie and The Jets") is a huge fan of rap, hip-hop and R&B. His favorite artists range from golden era rap crews such as A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul, to today's current rap stars like Big Sean and Kendrick Lamar. Elton appreciates every facet of the urban music genre and follows the major developments that are made within the industry. Elton obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Saint Augustine's College in 2010. With his degree in hand, he now looks to make a lasting impact in the world of music journalism. He also hopes to attend a SXSW and Rock The Bells concert someday.